The session, which took place as part of YES Forum's Policy Event, opened with Marta sharing when she first encountered the EU, before young people and professionals shared their own stories. Key turning points included school, the introduction of the Euro and a first Erasmus+ exchange.
Marta then encouraged participants to make their voices heard through opportunities such as
- the EU Youth Dialogue,
- the European Youth Event (EYE),
- EU consultations
- and volunteering.
The young people stressed that they need support to get involved, as institutional routes are often bureaucratic. These routes suit many young people, but they assume time, confidence and financial security that young people facing disadvantage often lack. For them, volunteering needs to lead to training or paid work, and participation should be built into the everyday practice of the services they already use, rather than depending on formal consultations.
